Basque Country Culture

2021-07-10

Parlementia Beach

Discover Parlementia beach straddling Guéthary and Bidart in the Basque Country.

Where is Parlementia beach located?

An iconic beach on the Basque Coast, Parlementia stretches across the territories of Bidart and Guéthary, halfway between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It is the southernmost beach of Bidart after Uhabia beach, and the northernmost of Guéthary, right above the Old Port and a few steps from the village centre.

Planning your day at Parlementia beach

Famous among surfers for the legendary wave that bears its name, Parlementia is also loved by walkers: bordered by the Whales Trail and the beach promenade, it offers a delightful stroll that rewards photographers with stunning shots. Rarely crowded even in summer, it instead welcomes high-level surfers whose moves are a pleasure to watch. It also delivers some of the most beautiful sunsets over the ocean. While Parlementia isn’t the ideal spot for family swimming, its rocky seabed is perfect for exploring the foreshore and its treasures at low tide.

Is Parlementia beach supervised?

Parlementia beach is supervised only during July and August, every day from 11 am to 7 pm continuously. Restrooms and showers are also available on site.

Are dogs allowed on Parlementia beach?

Dogs are allowed on the beach outside the supervised period (from July 1st to August 31st). In summer, their presence on the beach is therefore not permitted, even on a leash.

What to do at Parlementia beach?

Surfing and other water activities

Since 1996, the Le Fil Bleu surf school has been running group and private lessons on this legendary beach, along with other water activities such as paddleboarding and ocean walking. With kids, exploring the hollows and rocks of the foreshore in search of crabs makes a thrilling outing. Parlementia is one of the best surf spots in the Basque Country.

Learn more: https://www.ecole-de-surf-guethary-bidart.com/

Check the Parlementia webcam: https://www.gosurf.fr/webcam/fr/13/Guethary-Parlementia

Sunbathing

Whether in peak season or off-season, you can of course stretch out on the sand to sunbathe, read a book or grab a quick nap, depending on your mood. With surfers in the background, of course — they never miss the call of the waves!

Strolling, lunch, dinner

Parlementia beach is also an ideal destination for romantic walks and dinners in a unique setting facing the ocean. Near the old port of Guéthary, the restaurant and bar overlooking the beach is a must for a refreshing drink or a meal while watching seasoned surfers or the sunset over the ocean. Two other establishments line the promenade towards Bidart. More details below. The village of Guéthary unfolds its charming addresses all around.

Shopping

A handful of small shops sit near Parlementia beach, notably the boutique of the brand of the same name. Clothes and goodies branded after one of the Basque Country’s most iconic beaches — a fresh souvenir idea that beats the usual magnets and postcards!

Learn more: https://www.parlementia.com/

Access and parking at Parlementia beach

You usually reach Parlementia beach by heading toward the centre of Guéthary from the D810. Taking the direction of the train station, a small car park sits near the Old Port. A larger car park is on avenue d’Espagne, along the D810. A 6-minute walk then brings you to the beach via the Barognenia path. The beach is easily accessible by train, as Guéthary station is 350 metres away. The Guplac bus stop is the closest to the beach, on the old port side.

Where to eat near Parlementia beach?

Several establishments line Parlementia beach, offering the chance to dine with an incredible view of the ocean.

Bahia Beach

Located at the end of the promenade, it sits on the seafront with a pleasant covered terrace. A splendid viewpoint over Parlementia paired with fresh fish, seafood dishes, salads and Thai cuisine.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bahia-Beach/1933333043568937

Le Txamara

On the chemin du Port, at the entrance to the Alcyons jetty, Le Txamara offers a superb view over the beaches from its upstairs dining room. The refined, carefully presented dishes make lunch or dinner all the more enjoyable.

Learn more: https://www.txamara.com/

Hétéroclito

A true counter on the ocean, you’ll enjoy lunch or dinner on its terrace with a view overlooking Parlementia beach. Set along the Whales Trail, this restaurant mainly serves seafood, including shared seafood platters (or not…).

Learn more: https://www.heteroclito.fr/

Pasaia

Pasaia has taken over from L’Ilunabar on this terrace set facing the waves, along the Parlementia promenade. The venue welcomes visitors every day from 10 am, depending on the weather, with no reservation system.

Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/pasaia.guethary/

Living or staying near Parlementia beach

Parlementia beach, once favoured by spa-goers and the earliest sea-bathing enthusiasts who stayed in the elegant Belle Époque establishments along the coast, is appealing for its setting, which makes daily life walkable. Just a few steps from the SNCF train station, it is also close to Guéthary’s chic and trendy spots, surf boutiques and several restaurants with a relaxed or refined atmosphere. The town hall and its fronton, beating heart of the Basque village, are less than 300 metres away.

Looking to stay near Parlementia beach or live there year-round? Contact your BARNES Côte Basque expert today to find your ideal luxury property in Guéthary as a primary or secondary residence, or simply to book a luxurious vacation rental in Guéthary facing the ocean or in the heart of the village.

Looking for other spots along the coast? Discover our selection of the most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country, including the nearby beaches of Biarritz.